The HopTake by HopNews

Jake Auchincloss

US Congressman Jake Auchincloss swings by the pod to discuss the war in Israel, how Democrats can win this November, the role of China in global fentanyl trafficking and PFAS. Also on the pod: Peter & Jimmy on HTA President Becky Abate, Town Hall missing payroll, and the Horribles parade.

Post-Election w/Clark & Herr

The 2024 Annual Town Election is in the books. Hopkinton voters saw fit to send Joe Clark and Brian Herr to the Select Board, and they did it in style. The pair defeated their rivals by a more than 2:1 margin. We were grateful to grab some time with them in the hour following their victory. Also on this episode, we discuss the election results and a few of the shenanigans that led up to it. Plus, who will be the next chair of the Select Board?

Town Meeting Time

Jimmy takes over hosting duties as we dive in to all things Town Meeting. From the budget to HCAM, the fire department and Tim Brennan, toxic chemicals and MBTA zoning, we provide analysis on the debates and outcomes that will shape the next 12 months in Hopkinton. Plus, voter fraud!

The Housing Crisis

The Commonwealth is experiencing a housing crisis. The median price of a home in the Greater Boston Area is now $910,000, forcing many people - especially young professionals - to move out of state. At Town Meeting on May 6, Hopkinton residents will be asked vote on a new zoning overlay to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, which could bring up to 750 multi-family housing units to the town in the coming years.  On this episode, we are joined by Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, Ed Augustus, whose department is charged in part with overseeing the implementation of the MBTA Communities Act. Also joining me as co-host is Chair of Hopkinton's Planning Board, Gary Trendel. Mr. Augustus shares his perspective on the housing problem, how the MBTA Communities Act can solve them, how other towns are grappling with the new law, and the consequences if Hopkinton voters elect not to comply.

Racism.

On this episode, Peter & Jim discuss the variety of comments the Select Board heard at public forum, including from one of its own members, who described his recent experiences with racism in our town. We also discuss the DA's decision not to hold anyone accountable for leaking an alleged rape victim's confidential information. Also on the pod, Marathon Monday, exclusive new details on the Destini Decoff case, and the history of Hopkinton's first (and only?) hotel.